“Neale, you and Hal stay here with the girls. No, Ruth, you are not going!” he added hastily, seeing determination in her eyes. “Burr-r-r-r! that was a bad one,” he exclaimed, as a vivid flash of lightning was followed almost immediately by a terrific crash of thunder.
“Oh, Luke, I don’t want to have you go down in that cellar alone!” begged Ruth.
“Nonsense!” he laughed. “I can do a lot better alone. And if I need help I’ll sing out. Don’t be afraid.”
He patted her hand tenderly, and she did not resent this little caress, given in public as it was. Luke had a masterful way with him.
Suddenly, while they stood there after Luke’s decision had been announced, and while they were mentally trying to picture what had taken place in the cellar of the Corner House, the lights again went dim.
“What if the current goes off when you’re in the cellar?” suggested Agnes to Luke.
“I’d better have a flashlight, I suppose.”
“Take this one,” and Neale offered his. “I always carry it when I’m in the car,” he added. “They’re mighty handy.”
Luke accepted the miniature electric torch and started for the kitchen, whence entrance was to be had to the cellar. The others followed him, Ruth pointing out the switch that controlled the cellar lights. It was thrown on and Luke prepared to descend.
“We’ll be listening for you,” said Neale, to inspire confidence. “Don’t let the bogey-man get you!”